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N.D. — The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during the month of March.

On Friday, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum officially proclaimed March as Red Cross Month.

“March is Red Cross Month, the perfect time to honor our Red Cross volunteers and financial contributors who bring hope to people facing life’s emergencies,” said Lynn Speral, CEO of the Red Cross Dakotas Region. “During Red Cross Month, we thank them for their tremendous support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All presidents have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. Workers and volunteers respond to community disasters, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected.

In fiscal year 2016, the Dakotas Region responded to more than 300 local emergencies, providing assistance to more than 1,000 people. We assisted 783 military families, trained 34,000 people in lifesaving skills, and installed more than 3,500 free smoke alarms.

“It’s easy to become a Red Cross community hero,” said Speral. “Be ready for an emergency by creating a preparedness plan for your home. Test your smoke alarms and tell your neighbors to do the same. Or sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer or make a financial donation.”

More information about how people can support the Red Cross is available on redcross.org/northdakota.